WATCH: Sharks Swimming Off San Clemente Shore

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Several shark sightings were reported on Wednesday off the shores of San Clemente and San Onofre State beachs, officials said. The shark sightings began midday on Wednesday when a surfer reported to State Life Guards that he had been circled by a shark while on his board near San Onofre State Beach, according to a California State Life Guard spokesperson.

Phone calls reporting additional shark sightings began in San Clemente just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, according to City of San Clemente Marine Safety Officer Ian Burton.

Two separate individuals reported seeing shark activity off of the San Clemente coastline, Burton said. One sighting near Ole Beach, and another off of Capistrano Shores Trailer park.

Harbor Patrol and Orange County Sheriff's Department made a helicopter pass and confirmed the shark sighting. OC Lifeguards then posted an advisory that sharks were spotted in the area.

In the video below, two sharks were seen swimming off shore, followed by OCSD helicopter. One shark of about 10-feet was identified by sheriff's officers. People were seen wading along shore at the time of the sighting.

"The frequency is definitely on the rise," Burton said.

Wednesday's sightings in San Clemente were just that, sharks spotted off of the shore.

"There were not many people out in the water today," Burton said. "It was drizzly, just small surf, the beach crowds were minimal."

The San Clemente Marine Safety Department has noted that there seem to be more frequent sightings this year than normal. With aggressive shark behavior noted in San Diego County, beach goers and inexperienced swimmers are curious and tentative about heading near the water this summer.

"In terms of people's comfort level, being informed is the best place to start, with signs being posted of shark sightings," Burton said. "The experts say avoid swimming at dusk and dawn, avoid shiny jewelry, and the like."

Experts are continuing to tag and study sharks presence up and down the California coastline. Both marine biologists and lifeguards agree that there is much to learn about the sharks making their presence known along the southern California coast.

The best advice from your local Marine Safety officers?

"Don't surf by yourself, don't swim alone," Burton said. "It will definitely be an interesting summer."

See Also:

• San Onofre Beach Reopens After Shark Attack

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